Providence Housing Authority -
Affordable Housing

PPHC ABANDONED HOUSING PROGRAM - Ms. Thornton utilized her development and business background as well as her architecture skills while working for the city’s non-profit housing development corporation from 1994-1997. With only $2 million invested in their abandoned housing program, she acquired 206 properties, demolished 41, renovated 88, and constructed 36 new homes, employing 289 subcontractors with over 500 employees (31% minority) and creating 314 family units of affordable housing in 3 years.

PHA, SCATTERED SITES - While with David Presbrey Architects, Ms. Thornton was Project Architect for scattered site development of 92 properties throughout the city of Providence. Three prototypes were developed for use on single infill sites, both single-family and duplex. The Providence Housing Authority received the 1991 NAHRO Award of Merit for this scattered site housing effort. BTGA was later hired to renovate the scattered site buildings first designed by Ms. Thornton 13 years ago. BTGA designed a no-maintenance exterior at PHA request, and upgraded handicapped units to meet more stringent current standards.
Photos by Barbara J. Thornton

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